A Body Spray is perfect for those casual days when you want just a touch of fragrance. Perfume is slightly richer and better suited for an evening on the town. This homemade body spray with essential oils is mild enough for daily use when you’re out and about. Feel confident that you are always smelling fresh!
In the 90s, body sprays were all the rage. I would go to the mall and shop for fun scents like cucumber melon, strawberry nectar, and peaches and cream. I had quite the collection going that was the envy of all my friends. Little did I know at the time, they were incredibly toxic.
Manufacturers are not required by law to disclose the specific ingredients that make up a fragrance. Man-made fragrances contain phthalates to help the smell last longer.
Chemicals from artificial fragrances can pass from the skin into the blood. These chemicals are known carcinogens and neurotoxins and in my opinion, they should be avoided at all costs. None of my beauty recipes contain fragrances.
Make an essential oil body spray that smells amazing and is free of additives and fillers!
Essential oils are the purest form of fragrance in the world. There simply is no substitute. Artificial fragrances often try to replicate the delightful smells of nature. Here are my favorite essential oils to use in body sprays:
Best Essential Oils for Fragrant Body Sprays
- Neroli
- Lavender
- Vanilla
- Stress Away
- Geranium
- Jasmine
- Grapefruit
- Cedarwood
- Lime
- Palmarosa
- Sandalwood
- Bergamot
- Orange
- Joy
When Vanilla Oleoresin was released by Young living I knew that it would be absolutely perfect to add to a body spray recipe. It has a rich, warm aroma that adds a sweet scent, making it a great choice for a personalized fragrance. I used Joy, Grapefruit, and Vanilla in this body spray recipe. This combination is sweet, cheery, and uplifting.
How to Make a DIY Body Spray with Essential Oils
The best base for a body spray is high-quality clear grain alcohol like vodka. Ethyl alcohol contains a preservative to inhibit microbial contamination and growth. This will give it a long shelf life and keep the oils blended.
Alcohol also properly dissolves and blends the essential oils to disperse the scent evenly. You can always substitute witch hazel, but it will not last as long. My personal preference is 80-100 proof vodka, but you can also use white rum with a similar proof.
Vegetable glycerin is added as an emulsifier to keep the body spray combined, and help the scent stay put. It also has a moisturizing effect, making it gentle on the skin. Distilled water is added to dilute the vodka so the smell is not so overpowering.
Sweet Joy Body Spray
Ingredients
- 1 oz vodka
- 1 oz vegetable glycerin
- 2 ounces distilled water
- 8 drops Joy essential oil
- 8 drops Grapefruit essential oil
- 4 drops Vanilla
Directions
Add vegetable glycerin to a 4-oz spray bottle and drop in essential oils. Use a funnel for easy pouring. Add remaining ingredients and shake well to combine
To use: Swirl gently before use and spritz 2-3 sprays on your chest, neck, and shoulders. Spray directly on the skin, or spray into the air and walk through the mist slowly. You can also spray directly on hair and clothes to intensify the fragrance
More body spray combinations to try:
Mojito Magic
- 8 drops Stress Away
- 8 drops Lime
- 4 drops Vanilla
Citrus Vanilla Splash
- 6 drops Orange
- 6 drops Tangerine
- 4 drops Vanilla
Coconut Dreams
- 8 drops Ylang Ylang
- 8 drops Orange
- 4 drops Ginger
- substitute fractionated coconut oil for vegetable glycerin
Have fun mixing different combinations to create your own body spray scents!
Notes and Substitutions:
- If you don’t have vegetable glycerin or want to add a carrier oil instead, you can substitute jojoba oil, almond oil, or apricot oil
- If you want to add a touch of sparkle, try adding 1 tsp mica to the mixture. It adds a glamorous look for a night on the town!
- Citrus oils like grapefruit, orange, and lime are photosensitive. Avoid direct sunlight if applied directly to the skin
More essential oil beauty recipes you might enjoy:
Huemmer says
Do you have to use vodka would 91% iso Alcohol be ok?
Diana M says
You can substitute alcohol or witch hazel in this recipe.